Bathroom floors: ceramic tile or porcelain? Or something else?

Question

We are replacing our bathroom floors ... which were carpet (ugh) and aren't sure which is best for our new home. Previous homes have been linoleum. We have 3 kids and 2 dogs.

What do you think? Also, what about grouting stains/problems?

Thanks

Answer 1

I would go with ceramic tile. My parents have it throughout their house and I grew up with it. You can get somewhat textured tiles to make it little more slip-resistant. Make sure you're grout isn't too light so you don't have to worry about it looking dirty or stained. My parents have had their tile for over 20 years and just recently had the grout cleaned and a new coat of grout put on it and it looks brand new again. It wasn't that expensive either. Linoleum doesn't last as long and looks cheap and old quickly. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Well there are a multitude of products that will possibly do what you need.
Let's first address your actual question; ceramic or porcelain. The difference is the surface of the two products (also porcelain can be used in an exterior application.(usually more expensive too). There are different types of grout also you could go for a product called Accucolor by Tec. This is a more expensive grout, but it is a stain resistant grout So if you really have your heart set on ceramic that would be my suggestion. The other product that you should look into is called Duraceramic by Congoleum.

Answer 3

For the shower area, if you are talking shower floor; the smaller the tiles the better for traction. Larger tiles are bad for "wet" floors for this reason. Also, be sure to check the slip rating. There are lots of tiles out there. Be sure you get one that is less slippery. As far as the walls go. You can use 6x6's on the walls. Remember though if your bath is small say 8' x 8'; and you choose to use larger tiles say 12 x 12, it may be less appealing to have only 7+ large tiles width-wise across the wall (assuming grout lines than 15+ across the same wall using 6x6's. If you wish to use larger tiles on the shower walls, consider a diamond pattern with 6x6's or small decos as accent pieces.

Answer 4

Go with ceramic tile. We used to have linoleum wood floors in our kitchen and they always looked dirty. They make ceramic tile with a texture so they aren't so slippery. Be sure to buy a darker grout. The white grout sucks as it shows everything.

Answer 5

Stick with the linoleum or vinyl flooring.
With three kids and dogs, stay away from ceramic tile or porcelain since both are extremely slippery when wet, and not the easiest to keep clean. Wait till the kids are grown and gone then do the expensive stuff.

Answer 6

I just finished building a house, and we have tile throughout...However, in the master bath, I put down high quality linoleum...reason being is that I use a lot of hairspray, and this is just so much easier for clean up...and it isn't as cold when getting out of the shower...Kids have tile in theirs, and they complain if they are barefoot and have to walk on it...
Porcelain chips easier.
Ceramic is better in my book.
Make sure to get a tile that has the color all the way through...You don't want it to chip and see a white spot....(unless your color is white!!)
Look at the back of the tile and see what color it is..if it is a reddish brown color, and the tile itself is dark, then that is good...won't be as noticeable...

Answer 7

I tore up my carpet in the bathroom two years ago and put down those self adhesive tiles you get at any home improvement store. You are not required to seal the seams, but because I have kids I did seal them about two feet in front of the bath tub and behind the toilet. We have not had any problems and besides hair spray residue it still looks brand new. Good Luck!

Answer 8

I would recommend laminate flooring - comes looking like wooden floorboards, panelled wood or tiles (various) = easy to lay, easy to clean and easy to replace if any damage to a section (like around the toilet)....

Answer 9

We're about to build our first home, and I've been looking into slate...it's slip resistant, doesn't need sealing, really no care, lasts forever and is lovely...

Answer 10

i suggest using lino tiling in squares you can get it in a packet these are self adhesive